For adopted children, grief may come in waves; changing
over time, in small and large doses. There is no one answer as each child, and
the circumstances of his adoption are different. It is our job as parents to
help our child thought the grieving process. Here are a few ideas:
Healthy Activity-
Dance, Sports, Hobbies, Youth Groups, Clubs, etc.
Lifebooks- Create a Lifebook for your child. Work
on it together. Use it as a tool to tell his life story and open up the lines
of communication
Put it on Paper- Encourage your child to use a
journal to write down his thoughts, if she is too young, have her draw a
picture.
Make a Memory Box- Keep treasures relating to
adoption, birth family, culture, etc.
Start a New Family Tradition- use your child’s
input; make it center around him.
Listen to your Child
When your child does talk about his birth family, it is
important to answer questions honestly and gently, as is age appropriate.
Empathize and validate his feelings. Don’t
be judgmental or invalidate feelings. Don’t lay blame or take anything he has
personally.
Be Supportive and Seek Help when Needed
Find a grief support group
Adoptive children group
Find a therapist with adoption
experience
Labels: adjusting, Adoption Support, adoption transition, Attachment, bonding, Cultural Identity, Family, Heritage, Holidays, Keepsake, Kids and Teens, Mom's, Parenting, Parenting Teens, Positive Words
